Town centre regeneration at the top of MP’s to do list

Local MP, David Rutley, put the spotlight on the importance of regenerating Macclesfield town centre by holding one of his first meetings following the election with Nick Hynes, the new Chair of the Macclesfield town centre Design Board.

At the meeting, David set out the views and concerns of the many local residents that he had met in recent weeks who, like him, want to see a renewed focus on revitalising Macclesfield town centre. He also urged the Board to quicken the pace of regeneration activity, with the aim of making the town a more vibrant place to visit, shop and work in.

David was pleased to hear that options are being actively considered for an enhanced leisure offer, including a cinema, and that the Board will also be considering other regeneration opportunities to deliver a wider vision for Macclesfield and as well as advising on a strategy for improving car parking charges in the town centre.

The Design Board was set up by Cheshire East Council in response to Debenhams’ decision to pull out of the Silk Street development. The Board has been tasked to advise the Council on opportunities for Macclesfield town centre. In recent months, the Council has also allocated capital funding to help fund future developments and appointed a new Project Director, Jo Wise, who also attended the meeting with David, to take forward regeneration initiatives for Macclesfield.

During the meeting, David was also told how the Design Board is taking time to listen to the views of many local community groups in developing its emerging options. This is a move David believes is essential for the success of the Board’s work.

David will continue to have regular meetings with Nick Hynes as the work of the Design Board continues in the weeks ahead.

After the meeting, David said, “It was good to meet with Nick and Jo to find out more about emerging options for the town centre, and to see more focus being given to this vital priority. I am looking forward to continuing to actively work with them, local community groups, local traders, Cheshire East councillors and members of the new Macclesfield Town Council in taking forward this important work in the months ahead.”

Picture: David Rutley MP with Jo Wise (left) and Nick Hynes (centre)